So really, that was the end of the report. On Sunday morning Steve and I made the drive back to Boston, which went quite smoothly. Dropped the car, hung out at the airport, took the direct flight home, where we disembarked to 91 degrees and humid. Should have changed to shorts before getting on the plane! Jeans were killing me.
We had a wonderful time and made some new memories. Thanks for riding along for a bit.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Saturday June 21 - Tuckerbox, Dan and Whits, Carpenter and Main
Tuckerbox, Dan and Whits, Carpenter and Main
The Tuckerbox
After leaving Saint-Guadens, we sought out a light lunch. The GTG gang was having an early dinner, so we didn't want much, but it had still been a long time since breakfast. Ultimately we drove into White River Junction, VT trying to spot something. A friend spotted the Tuckerbox and said let's try that!
The Tuckerbox has Turkish and Mediterranean style dishes. All brick exposed walls and big windows, it has a coffee house vibe as well. I had a very good Doner Kebab. I saw lots on the menu that intrigued me, so if you are headed to VT, maybe to a function at Dartmouth which is just 8 miles away, consider The Tuckerbox for lunch.
http://www.tuckerboxvermont.com
Dan and Whits
Back at the Inn, all of us had some different things we needed to do. I needed some cash (assuming that I would need cash for splitting the bill at dinner that night) and wanted to pop into Dan and Whits next door to the Inn..
I walked down to the only bank I had seen on the Main Street and walked up to the drive through ATM to get my cash, then back to Dan and Whits, billed as a Vermont General Store. It's quite a place, and I'm not sure I can tell you something that hasn't been said before.
Gas pumps out front, on that Saturday a knife grinder set up shop out front, a wildly decorated piano out front where a young man (12-13) played a little earlier that morning with all his friends around. There were community boards with flyers everywhere, and this was all before you even stepped in the front door.
I browsed around the jumble of goods, and spotted a Bodum. This gave me an idea. I am missing a nut on the plunger of a large Bodum coffee press. Dan and Whits has everything, including a hardware section. Maybe they could help me! So I walked back to the hardware section and checked out the nuts and bolts, and pretty soon a Dan and Whits staffer asked if she could help.
I explained what I was looking for, but not very well, and said they had some Bodum coffee presses up front. Pretty soon she was off at a trot for the corner where I had found them. I did my best to keep up, and when I arrived, slightly out of breath, she already was opening a box to examine how the plunger went together.
After some examination she grabbed the plunger and headed back to the hardware section with me in her wake. She found a nut that would fit the plunger, then put two in a sack explaining how they would "lock" if I put two. All this for a total sale of something like 27 cents!
(Please note, I put them on the plunger at home, and it worked beautifully! Yay Dan and Whits)
My little brown bag in hand, I explored the rest of the store but only ended up with additional purchases of rolled Lifesavers. You can hardly find them anymore, they are all in bags, individually wrapped, and I hate that!
My pricy purchase gripped firmly in my little fists, it was back to the Inn for me, where I decided I needed a nap before the night's main event at Carpenter and Main for dinner with the GTG gang. The untouched Whoopie Pies with a note for Steve indicated that he had not yet appeared, so I had the room all to myself and took a little snooze.
http://www.danandwhits.com
Carpenter and Main
Directly across the street from the Norwich Inn is Carpenter and Main. It was so nice to just walk across the street! When I arrived, there were already a few people at the bar, and after a short discussion with the bartender I ended up with a Carpenter Cup, their play on a Pimms Cup. It was the perfect refreshing summer drink.
Soon we all congregated in a small dining room where a table had been set up for our group. There were a few other small tables there, but few diners, and this was probably lucky for them. Much hilarity ensued. What a blast we had.
C&M specializes in small plates, but also has entrees. Some ordered all small plates, which is fun so you can try different things. Some ordered small plates AND an entree (me for instance). Several of us shared our small plates. For myself, I ordered avocado fries (really good) ; Thai style cod cakes with Nuoc Cham (so good I had to order more); Moroccan Lamb Meatballs with Tomato Glaze. I shared with others, they shared with me. Another small plate I had a bite of that was particularly delicious was
~Roasted Eggplant, Red Pepper And Onion with Sherry and Piment d’Esplette.
For entree I had Mussels in a Thai Curry sauce. A fresh, intense raspberry sorbet finished it off.
The meal was great, the service outstanding, the company even better.
http://www.carpenterandmain.com/index.html
Some of us chatted a bit longer in the parlor over at the Inn, but at last it was time to say our good-byes.
The Tuckerbox
After leaving Saint-Guadens, we sought out a light lunch. The GTG gang was having an early dinner, so we didn't want much, but it had still been a long time since breakfast. Ultimately we drove into White River Junction, VT trying to spot something. A friend spotted the Tuckerbox and said let's try that!
The Tuckerbox has Turkish and Mediterranean style dishes. All brick exposed walls and big windows, it has a coffee house vibe as well. I had a very good Doner Kebab. I saw lots on the menu that intrigued me, so if you are headed to VT, maybe to a function at Dartmouth which is just 8 miles away, consider The Tuckerbox for lunch.
http://www.tuckerboxvermont.com
Dan and Whits
Back at the Inn, all of us had some different things we needed to do. I needed some cash (assuming that I would need cash for splitting the bill at dinner that night) and wanted to pop into Dan and Whits next door to the Inn..
I walked down to the only bank I had seen on the Main Street and walked up to the drive through ATM to get my cash, then back to Dan and Whits, billed as a Vermont General Store. It's quite a place, and I'm not sure I can tell you something that hasn't been said before.
Gas pumps out front, on that Saturday a knife grinder set up shop out front, a wildly decorated piano out front where a young man (12-13) played a little earlier that morning with all his friends around. There were community boards with flyers everywhere, and this was all before you even stepped in the front door.
I browsed around the jumble of goods, and spotted a Bodum. This gave me an idea. I am missing a nut on the plunger of a large Bodum coffee press. Dan and Whits has everything, including a hardware section. Maybe they could help me! So I walked back to the hardware section and checked out the nuts and bolts, and pretty soon a Dan and Whits staffer asked if she could help.
I explained what I was looking for, but not very well, and said they had some Bodum coffee presses up front. Pretty soon she was off at a trot for the corner where I had found them. I did my best to keep up, and when I arrived, slightly out of breath, she already was opening a box to examine how the plunger went together.
After some examination she grabbed the plunger and headed back to the hardware section with me in her wake. She found a nut that would fit the plunger, then put two in a sack explaining how they would "lock" if I put two. All this for a total sale of something like 27 cents!
(Please note, I put them on the plunger at home, and it worked beautifully! Yay Dan and Whits)
My little brown bag in hand, I explored the rest of the store but only ended up with additional purchases of rolled Lifesavers. You can hardly find them anymore, they are all in bags, individually wrapped, and I hate that!
My pricy purchase gripped firmly in my little fists, it was back to the Inn for me, where I decided I needed a nap before the night's main event at Carpenter and Main for dinner with the GTG gang. The untouched Whoopie Pies with a note for Steve indicated that he had not yet appeared, so I had the room all to myself and took a little snooze.
http://www.danandwhits.com
Carpenter and Main
Directly across the street from the Norwich Inn is Carpenter and Main. It was so nice to just walk across the street! When I arrived, there were already a few people at the bar, and after a short discussion with the bartender I ended up with a Carpenter Cup, their play on a Pimms Cup. It was the perfect refreshing summer drink.
Soon we all congregated in a small dining room where a table had been set up for our group. There were a few other small tables there, but few diners, and this was probably lucky for them. Much hilarity ensued. What a blast we had.
C&M specializes in small plates, but also has entrees. Some ordered all small plates, which is fun so you can try different things. Some ordered small plates AND an entree (me for instance). Several of us shared our small plates. For myself, I ordered avocado fries (really good) ; Thai style cod cakes with Nuoc Cham (so good I had to order more); Moroccan Lamb Meatballs with Tomato Glaze. I shared with others, they shared with me. Another small plate I had a bite of that was particularly delicious was
~Roasted Eggplant, Red Pepper And Onion with Sherry and Piment d’Esplette.
For entree I had Mussels in a Thai Curry sauce. A fresh, intense raspberry sorbet finished it off.
The meal was great, the service outstanding, the company even better.
http://www.carpenterandmain.com/index.html
Some of us chatted a bit longer in the parlor over at the Inn, but at last it was time to say our good-byes.
Saturday June 21 2014, St Gaudens Historic Site
Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site
After returning from the market, everyone went on their own adventures. I chose to hitch a ride with a few others and go to Saint-Gaudens. I knew absolutely nothing about Augustus Saint-Gaudens before this trip, but it was mentioned in the planning for the GTG and I was intrigued by the grounds, and as it later turns out, the artist.
Another beautiful drive and we arrived. The others wanted to go on a tour of the house, but I wanted to spend more time on the grounds so we split up and I walked up the short path to the visitor center to work my way back. It was a lovely short walk through the woods, all sorts of ferns in the undergrowth.
I tend to not be a big sculpture person, or at least I tell myself that and then get just as interested as the next person. I had no idea Saint-Gaudens is considered one of America's greatest sculptors. There are several exhibits throughout the grounds, including The Shaw Memorial which is at the Boston Commons.http://www.nps.gov/saga/historyculture/the-shaw-memorial.htm I knew about that memorial, but nothing about the sculpter.
There was an informal cutting garden, and by the house, a much more formally designed garden that was lovely. The studio was fascinating. I always like things that get you somewhat into the process an artist goes through.
I connected with the others and we walked back up to the visitors center where a film was showing about Saint-Gaudens. Should you visit, I would recommend seeing the film as well. although one friend took a snooze during the film instead.
One fun thing was that there was a wedding taking place there, and as you walked the grounds you would come across small caches with a note giving directions to their guests, asking you to leave the cache in place, and saying yes, they had permission. I spoke to one guest who said it was more fun than sitting waiting in a church for the wedding!
They were giving out cookies down by the studio, and I think a few from our group got a little snack!
It really was a pretty site, and the history fascinating. I highly recommend.
http://www.nps.gov/saga/index.htm
After returning from the market, everyone went on their own adventures. I chose to hitch a ride with a few others and go to Saint-Gaudens. I knew absolutely nothing about Augustus Saint-Gaudens before this trip, but it was mentioned in the planning for the GTG and I was intrigued by the grounds, and as it later turns out, the artist.
Another beautiful drive and we arrived. The others wanted to go on a tour of the house, but I wanted to spend more time on the grounds so we split up and I walked up the short path to the visitor center to work my way back. It was a lovely short walk through the woods, all sorts of ferns in the undergrowth.
I tend to not be a big sculpture person, or at least I tell myself that and then get just as interested as the next person. I had no idea Saint-Gaudens is considered one of America's greatest sculptors. There are several exhibits throughout the grounds, including The Shaw Memorial which is at the Boston Commons.http://www.nps.gov/saga/historyculture/the-shaw-memorial.htm I knew about that memorial, but nothing about the sculpter.
There was an informal cutting garden, and by the house, a much more formally designed garden that was lovely. The studio was fascinating. I always like things that get you somewhat into the process an artist goes through.
I connected with the others and we walked back up to the visitors center where a film was showing about Saint-Gaudens. Should you visit, I would recommend seeing the film as well. although one friend took a snooze during the film instead.
One fun thing was that there was a wedding taking place there, and as you walked the grounds you would come across small caches with a note giving directions to their guests, asking you to leave the cache in place, and saying yes, they had permission. I spoke to one guest who said it was more fun than sitting waiting in a church for the wedding!
They were giving out cookies down by the studio, and I think a few from our group got a little snack!
It really was a pretty site, and the history fascinating. I highly recommend.
http://www.nps.gov/saga/index.htm
Saturday June 21, 2014 - Norwich VT Farmers Market
The Norwich Farmer's Market
Saturday dawned and the plan was to go to the Norwich Farmer's Market. First, we had breakfast again at the Inn. While good, we really should have waited to go to the market and eat! The Farmer's Market was fabulous, and had lots of prepared foods along with vegetables, bakery stands, cheeses, wood art, jewelry.
It wasn't a huge market, but had wonderful variety. I had not yet had a whoopie pie, so I bought a couple of those to share with Steve later. I tasted some cheeses, and really wanted to buy some but couldn't figure an easy way to get them home fresh.
I bought a silver coiled ring from one vendor. I brushed back some hair and the ring got caught in my hair. Complete strangers were trying to help get this ring out of my hair! No kidding it was about 30 minutes until it was released. Cutting it out was not an acceptable option!
Even with the ring hanging in my hair I managed to look at some more jewelry and bought one piece. I wanted it to be about two inches longer so I paid for it and the vendor made me one that was longer and sent it to me. I got it last week, and wore it right away. A great memento of the trip.
There was entertainment in the middle of the market, and places to sit and rest and eat popsicles and other treats.
http://www.norwichfarmersmarket.org
Saturday dawned and the plan was to go to the Norwich Farmer's Market. First, we had breakfast again at the Inn. While good, we really should have waited to go to the market and eat! The Farmer's Market was fabulous, and had lots of prepared foods along with vegetables, bakery stands, cheeses, wood art, jewelry.
It wasn't a huge market, but had wonderful variety. I had not yet had a whoopie pie, so I bought a couple of those to share with Steve later. I tasted some cheeses, and really wanted to buy some but couldn't figure an easy way to get them home fresh.
I bought a silver coiled ring from one vendor. I brushed back some hair and the ring got caught in my hair. Complete strangers were trying to help get this ring out of my hair! No kidding it was about 30 minutes until it was released. Cutting it out was not an acceptable option!
Even with the ring hanging in my hair I managed to look at some more jewelry and bought one piece. I wanted it to be about two inches longer so I paid for it and the vendor made me one that was longer and sent it to me. I got it last week, and wore it right away. A great memento of the trip.
There was entertainment in the middle of the market, and places to sit and rest and eat popsicles and other treats.
http://www.norwichfarmersmarket.org
June 19 - Bangor ME and a road trip through New Hampshire, arriving in Norwich VT
Thursday - Road Trip and birds
Steve birded again in the morning and had a great morning. After consulting with a friend from New Hampshire we choose the scenic route from Bangor ME to Norwich VT and it was well worth it. We started west at about Gardiner ME and drove through some stunningly beautiful country and quaint towns. Green, lots of lots of green. Flowers, lots and lots of flowers. Blue and clear lakes, rivers and streams. Wetland areas with beaver lodges (but no moose). Shear rock outcroppings, rugged mountain profiles, and best of all NO billboards anywhere!
Went by lake where On Golden Pond was filmed.
We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and arrived a little hot, tired, hungry, and roadworn about 6 or 6:30 at the Norwich Inn, site of the GTG.
I got to state number 46!
Went by lake where On Golden Pond was filmed.
We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and arrived a little hot, tired, hungry, and roadworn about 6 or 6:30 at the Norwich Inn, site of the GTG.
I got to state number 46!
Thursday, continued
Picking up where I left off, we arrived that evening at the Norwich Inn, site of a get together with some of my cooking and travel friends.
Picking up where I left off, we arrived that evening at the Norwich Inn, site of a get together with some of my cooking and travel friends.
Steve and I stayed in the main building of the Inn, just one flight up and round the corner at the front of the building. Creaky flowers and windows that opened! Unfortunately no mini fridge so we had to end up tossing the last of our picnic goods from the cooler.
The Inn is lovely, and like the village of Norwich itself, fit my mental image of a Vermont Inn. A big broad veranda with rocking chairs, several places to gather throughout the building, welcoming staff. I kept looking around for Bob.
The Norwich Inn http://m.norwichinn.com
After 5 plus hours in the car, we needed to stretch our legs so we took a short walk, thinking we might find some place to have a quick bite as well. We should have stopped in at Dan and Whit's, the old-fashioned general store next to the Inn as besides the Inn and the restaurant the GTG ate at on Sat night, there was nothing to be found.
But, it was a nice short walk, and the town looked like my mental image of what a small town in Vermont should look like. Lots of green, a Village Green (with signs for a solstice festival) a white steepled church, lovely old homes and businesses
Back at the Inn we stopped in the pub for dinner. We weren't up for waiting for the GTG gang to eat, we were hungry. The pub is part of the inn, small, and essentially the same menu as the main dining room. We shared a Maryland crab cake appetizer and I could have just had another one for dinner, it was really good. My veal piccata was good, as was Steve's burger. I had the Norwich IPA (I think?) which was really good.
Steve left for the room while I waited for the check, and as I waited, I notice a curly haired woman at the end of the bar. Soon, a couple waved her over, calling "Janet?" and I knew I had spotted my first GTGrs. After paying my bill I sidled over and introduced myself. Thrilled to meet them, and I stopped in at the dining room where I got to meet several others.
Having already eaten, and really needing a nap, I left them to order and went up to the room where Steve was already asleep. I set an alarm for a short nap, and later woke up slightly refreshed and headed down to chat with the group. Turns out they were only just then getting their food! Thank goodness I didn't wait. Still, I pulled up and shared a table, and it was fun to have that first chat with everyone.
The Inn is lovely, and like the village of Norwich itself, fit my mental image of a Vermont Inn. A big broad veranda with rocking chairs, several places to gather throughout the building, welcoming staff. I kept looking around for Bob.
The Norwich Inn http://m.norwichinn.com
After 5 plus hours in the car, we needed to stretch our legs so we took a short walk, thinking we might find some place to have a quick bite as well. We should have stopped in at Dan and Whit's, the old-fashioned general store next to the Inn as besides the Inn and the restaurant the GTG ate at on Sat night, there was nothing to be found.
But, it was a nice short walk, and the town looked like my mental image of what a small town in Vermont should look like. Lots of green, a Village Green (with signs for a solstice festival) a white steepled church, lovely old homes and businesses
Back at the Inn we stopped in the pub for dinner. We weren't up for waiting for the GTG gang to eat, we were hungry. The pub is part of the inn, small, and essentially the same menu as the main dining room. We shared a Maryland crab cake appetizer and I could have just had another one for dinner, it was really good. My veal piccata was good, as was Steve's burger. I had the Norwich IPA (I think?) which was really good.
Steve left for the room while I waited for the check, and as I waited, I notice a curly haired woman at the end of the bar. Soon, a couple waved her over, calling "Janet?" and I knew I had spotted my first GTGrs. After paying my bill I sidled over and introduced myself. Thrilled to meet them, and I stopped in at the dining room where I got to meet several others.
Having already eaten, and really needing a nap, I left them to order and went up to the room where Steve was already asleep. I set an alarm for a short nap, and later woke up slightly refreshed and headed down to chat with the group. Turns out they were only just then getting their food! Thank goodness I didn't wait. Still, I pulled up and shared a table, and it was fun to have that first chat with everyone.
June 18 - Acadia Loop Road, More Lobster, The Big Chicken Barn
Why Woulda Coulda Shoulda
Because I should have figured out a way to take that cruise the day before or gone with Steve on his birding to see more of Acadia in the sunshine. Tuesday was absolutely beautiful, sunny and warm. Tues Night/Wed AM we got a rollicking thunderstorm. The thunder was so loud it woke us both at 3:30 am. By the time we got up the rain had stopped but it was gray and gloomy, and when I called Lulu Lobster a little after 8 they said they were not doing the morning cruise, only the afternoon--and we planned to be gone by then.
Acadia Park Loop Road
Still, we could at least do the Park Loop Road. I almost didn't go at all as it as foggy, then decided to at last give it a shot. Weather wasn't great, but there were a few sunny moments.
What is there to say that someone hasn't said before and more eloquently than I? It's a beautiful drive. So much to look at and ooh and ah. Small waterfalls, mountain streams, ponds with beaver lodges, the lovely Jordan Pond, rocky, spectacular shoreline. Passing under some of the bridges for the carriage roads. Both of us agreed that a week wouldn't be enough time for this park! We saw lots of bikers and hikers. If we were to come back to Maine, we would be inclined to simply base ourselves here and explore the area, and hike, etc.
Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound http://www.trentonbridgelobster.com
We didn't have time for a whole lobster, but it was fun to stop at this place on the drive out of Bar Harbor where you could see them boiling the lobster in pots of sea water just outside the restaurant. There is a row of pots boiling over wood fired brick ovens, and in would come one of the cooks with lobsters in a string bag to fill orders.
Instead I had a lobster salad sandwich - their version of a lobster roll and very good and a cup of clam chowder, and Steve had a bowl of clam chowder and blueberry pie. The clam chowder was not a winner. First, I prefer clams to be chopped in my clam chowder so I can get some clam in more spoonfuls. The clams were whole. Second, the broth just had no flavor at all. The lobster salad sandwich was worth the stop though, and if we had more time the whole lobster would have been great.
Big Chicken Barn Books and Antiques
A friend had told us to look out for this outside of Ellsworth (about 20 miles from Bar Harbor) so we made this our next stop. The first floor is all antique stalls and the whole upper floor is used books. Really well organized, and so many! After my haul earlier, I wasn't really feeling the book shopping love so left Steve to his browsing and went outside where the sun had now decided to shine,
Steve eventually showed up, but disappeared to the end of the parking lot where a chestnut sided warbler was singing. Eventually we moved on. I plugged in the hotel in Bangor ME that we were going to, and I guess since we were already past the straightaway route, Google Maps took us on a very scenic drive through the country.
We arrived at the Hampton Inn in Bangor where I had topped off points to get a room for $80. I think it must be very new. Very nice rooms and very nice people.
Nearby is the Bangor City Forest, and Steve heads over to look for black throated blues, and any other birds that show themselves. It was a successful trip as he didn't get back until nearly 8. His stomach was a little queasy so I just made a sandwich and we stayed in for the evening.
http://cityforest.bangorinfo.com/maps.htm
Because I should have figured out a way to take that cruise the day before or gone with Steve on his birding to see more of Acadia in the sunshine. Tuesday was absolutely beautiful, sunny and warm. Tues Night/Wed AM we got a rollicking thunderstorm. The thunder was so loud it woke us both at 3:30 am. By the time we got up the rain had stopped but it was gray and gloomy, and when I called Lulu Lobster a little after 8 they said they were not doing the morning cruise, only the afternoon--and we planned to be gone by then.
Acadia Park Loop Road
Still, we could at least do the Park Loop Road. I almost didn't go at all as it as foggy, then decided to at last give it a shot. Weather wasn't great, but there were a few sunny moments.
What is there to say that someone hasn't said before and more eloquently than I? It's a beautiful drive. So much to look at and ooh and ah. Small waterfalls, mountain streams, ponds with beaver lodges, the lovely Jordan Pond, rocky, spectacular shoreline. Passing under some of the bridges for the carriage roads. Both of us agreed that a week wouldn't be enough time for this park! We saw lots of bikers and hikers. If we were to come back to Maine, we would be inclined to simply base ourselves here and explore the area, and hike, etc.
Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound http://www.trentonbridgelobster.com
We didn't have time for a whole lobster, but it was fun to stop at this place on the drive out of Bar Harbor where you could see them boiling the lobster in pots of sea water just outside the restaurant. There is a row of pots boiling over wood fired brick ovens, and in would come one of the cooks with lobsters in a string bag to fill orders.
Instead I had a lobster salad sandwich - their version of a lobster roll and very good and a cup of clam chowder, and Steve had a bowl of clam chowder and blueberry pie. The clam chowder was not a winner. First, I prefer clams to be chopped in my clam chowder so I can get some clam in more spoonfuls. The clams were whole. Second, the broth just had no flavor at all. The lobster salad sandwich was worth the stop though, and if we had more time the whole lobster would have been great.
Big Chicken Barn Books and Antiques
A friend had told us to look out for this outside of Ellsworth (about 20 miles from Bar Harbor) so we made this our next stop. The first floor is all antique stalls and the whole upper floor is used books. Really well organized, and so many! After my haul earlier, I wasn't really feeling the book shopping love so left Steve to his browsing and went outside where the sun had now decided to shine,
Steve eventually showed up, but disappeared to the end of the parking lot where a chestnut sided warbler was singing. Eventually we moved on. I plugged in the hotel in Bangor ME that we were going to, and I guess since we were already past the straightaway route, Google Maps took us on a very scenic drive through the country.
We arrived at the Hampton Inn in Bangor where I had topped off points to get a room for $80. I think it must be very new. Very nice rooms and very nice people.
Nearby is the Bangor City Forest, and Steve heads over to look for black throated blues, and any other birds that show themselves. It was a successful trip as he didn't get back until nearly 8. His stomach was a little queasy so I just made a sandwich and we stayed in for the evening.
http://cityforest.bangorinfo.com/maps.htm
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Breakfast at the Inn, followed by reading on the veranda
Steve was up and out early to seek birds, and I slept a little longer until 8 or so. Then I wandered downstairs and poked my head in the dining room to find more of our group. They let me pull up a chair and join them for breakfast. After being served a cold, terrible cup of coffee I caught on and ordered a latte, which was duly served, hot and fresh.
People started scattering to pursue various activities before the King Arthur's Flour class. I took my book out on to the veranda for what I had been assured was a Vermont tradition--reading and rocking. It was just very lovely and peaceful, and there was a little people-watching thrown in as well as it is on the Main Street, next to Dan and Whits General Store, and of course people coming and going from the Inn.
Janet joined me, and we had a nice chat. Before we knew it, it was time to head over to King Arthur Flour.
King Arthur Flour Cooking Class
Our GTG was wrapped around doing a class at King Arthur Flour. Three leaders took charge of arranging accommodations, class arrangements, and dinner reservations. We decided on a custom class at King Arthur Flour that featured making tapas.
We had so much fun, and the time just flew by! I definitely learned new things as well. Boy do I wish I lived closer! King Arthur did a really great job with the class, it is a great setup, and there are so many classes you can take!
The whole facility is pretty impressive. There is the cooking school, a big store (yes I went shopping) a cafe, and a demo baking facility.
After the class it was nearly closing time so we bought some salads and we sat at picnic tables outside as KA closed up, ate our tapas, salads, and drinks from the cafe. The tapas were good, but super rich and a salad was definitely needed.
http://www.kingarthurflour.com
Jasper Murdoch Ale and chatting in the courtyard
Back at the Inn, we gathered together again. There was a small grassy area in back of the Inn between the inn and the brewery where we pulled together some tables and gathered together again. Some people brought out wine, and Abby served some of her nephew's awesome bacon jam!
I'm pretty sure this is the bacon jam we had: http://www.jamminham.com It was sooooooo good!
Did I mention the Inn has their own microbrewery? The beers are only served there at the in. I had tried the Norwich IPA the night before, and tonight I got the beer flight so I could try several more of their beers. I am terrible at remember names, but I liked them all except the final one. It was too much of a molasses taste for me.
We chatted,chatted, and chatted some more, until it became too chilly, and then we all went our separate ways.